Twice baked potatoes in a casserole? I know it seems remarkable but they actually turn out perfect this way! There’s no reason to put much effort into individual taters when you can make an amazing side like this. Usually, picnic preparation is nonstop so I love that this is a simple thing I can whip up and pop in the oven.

All you need is some baked potatoes to start, so what I like to do is fix plenty the night before, then use the leftovers for this side to save time. You can add whatever “toppings” you like based on what the family enjoys. My kids refuse onions so I just put some green onions on top of a few.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Six Sisters Stuff.

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Quick Tip: If you don’t have leftover taters, you can definitely bake them in the oven, or microwave for faster results.

I know, I know that it’s tuna, and this tuna noodle casserole is my favorite way to eat the fish aside from fresh caught and grilled. When I first introduced this dish to my kids I had to tell them it was chicken, because they flat out refused to eat any fish. Picky kids!

Now they know it’s tuna and they love it. Sometimes, you just have to trick them into trying it you know what I mean? Now my husband adores tuna noodle casserole so there was no convincing needed. This is the best recipe I’ve found, not that I wouldn’t try a new one but this is my “go to” choice.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Food.com.

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Quick Tip: It’s a delicious finish to brown the casserole a bit under the broiler at the end of the cook time.

It’s no secret that I love Mexican food. I don’t mean the kind you get at a fast food place, I am talking the original, authentic stuff! My sister has taught me many ways to capture that flavor because she was married to someone from Mexico City for 17 years, and his family taught her. So I have a very picky palate! This recipe didn’t disappoint anyone in the family. It had all the flavors you’d expect and wasn’t too spicy.

I made up a side of fresh salsa using tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lemon and salt and it was perfect on top. I will definitely be making this again and I know my family won’t mind! I was making this, hoping there would be leftovers for my lunch the next day – not a chance! It was all gone, my husband even got a third helping!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Food Network

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Quick Tip: Don’t forget to set out some sour cream, it goes perfect on top!

The first time I sank my teeth into jambalaya it was with our friends from Louisiana. Before that, I’d never even heard of it. It was packed with flavor and I couldn’t get enough! I was surprised at how delicious it was because to me, it just looked like a box dinner by Hamburger Helper or something, but it blew me away!

I couldn’t wait to make it myself, and I’ve made it several ways. I like it with sausage, beef and shrimp the best. This recipe is a true southern charmer and features smoked sausage. It has a bit of spice, but not so much that it’ll turn those with sensitive palates away.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Food.com.

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Quick Tip: For a switch, add in some shrimp. It’s a common addition to this Cajun meal.

I’m always looking for new ways to make chicken, and I had some thighs I got on sale just waiting for me to whip up. While I’m hesitant to try new flavors, I knew this one would be popular with my family.

Just the smell of it cooking was enough to make me ravenous. I think my husband asked me over 10 times if it was done yet, and it’d only been cooking around a half hour! That just gives you an idea of how great it smells. Then the taste! It totally lived up to the scent. I’ll be making this again!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Good Housekeeping.

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Quick Tip: Use dark meat for this recipe, it soaks up the seasoning and flavors for a tender meal. You can also add olives!

I could eat lemon treats all day, every day. Lemon bars were my absolute favorite whenever we went to potlucks or family picnics. Someone always brought them and it was like I could spot that bright yellow dessert with the powdered sugar topping a mile away. I’d casually sneak to the table over and over to snag one.

I’ve made the box mix, and it’s okay but making them from scratch using this recipe is just as easy, and much more flavorful! The tangy lemon surrounded by the lightly sweet crust on one side and the powdered sugar on top is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The whole family loves these!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Treats.

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Quick Tip: You can substitute fruits in this recipe, just be sure to alter the amount of sugar based on the fruit.

When I think of hummingbirds, I have never thought of cake. My main memory of this little, amazing bird is when I actually got to hold one. It had flown into our front window and fell on the ground. I gently picked it up, feeling sad that it was probably gone and then it woke up, and flew away right out of my hands.

I can understand why this hummingbird cake is named after these miraculous creatures. They are light as air and very sweet creatures flitting around from one place to the next. This cake was just the same! Light, sweet and as adorable as cakes come. I love the banana and pineapple combo!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Martha Stewart.

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Quick Tip: Be sure to use unsalted butter or the cake may turn out a bit oily.